Scalloped potatoes and ham is a cozy dish that layers creamy potatoes with tender ham, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a warm hug on a plate!
This dish is perfect for family gatherings or when you want something comforting. I love serving it with a side salad to balance out all that cheesy goodness. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: For a creamy and buttery texture, russet or Yukon gold potatoes are your best choices. They hold up well during baking. If you’re in a pinch, red or white potatoes work too, but they may be less creamy.
Ham: Cooked ham gives this dish its savory flavor. If you’re looking to cut back on meat, you could use diced turkey or even a plant-based ham alternative. Leftover holiday ham is perfect if you have some!
Milk: Whole milk enhances creaminess but you can swap it for 2% milk or even almond milk if you’re looking for a lighter version. Just note that almond milk might alter the flavor a bit.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese makes it extra gooey! If you prefer something sharper, try using aged cheddar or even Gruyère. For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast is a great substitute to obtain that cheesy flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a delightful crust on top. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good alternative or you can leave the cheese out altogether for a lighter dish.
How Do I Create a Smooth Sauce Using a Roux?
Making a roux is key to achieving a creamy sauce for your scalloped potatoes. Here’s a simple guide to help you:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat; this should take a minute or two.
- Add the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste without browning.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form, and keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper after thickening for maximum flavor.
Remember, whisking constantly is essential to avoiding lumps and achieving a smooth sauce!
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 large potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for prep and about 1 hour for baking (including covering and uncovering). So, you’re looking at a total of around 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish, which includes resting time before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to make sure your scalloped potatoes won’t stick.
2. Slice the Potatoes:
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a sharp knife or a mandolin. Make sure your slices are even so they cook uniformly. This is key to getting that perfect, creamy texture!
3. Make the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly. Add the flour and stir it in to form a roux, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes—don’t let it brown! Gradually whisk in the milk and keep stirring until the sauce is thick and smooth, which should take about 5 minutes. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding cheddar cheese, stir it in now until it’s fully melted and mixed!
4. Layering Time:
In your prepared baking dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom. Then, sprinkle half of the diced ham on top, followed by half of your creamy sauce. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, ham, and sauce to create your second layer!
5. Add the Topping:
Once you’ve finished layering, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This will give you that delicious golden crust!
6. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbly and confirm that the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes for easy serving. If you’d like, garnish with dried thyme or parsley for a touch of color.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like red or white, but russet or Yukon gold are preferred for their creamy texture and ability to hold up during baking. Just ensure they are sliced evenly for uniform cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Ham?
No problem! You can use leftover turkey, diced cooked chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it’s cooked before adding it to the dish.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance; just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes as it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. If the dish appears dry, you can add a splash of milk before reheating.
